The prestige of Brunello del Greppo dates back to the 19th Century with the story of Clemente Santi who began making wine using 100% Sangiovese. He passed on his wine knowledge to his nephew Ferruccio Biondi Santi, who, after the phyloxera in the second half of the 1800s, isolated a clone of Sangiovese that gave birth to wines of extraordinary longevity. In 1888, Ferruccio produced the first bottle of Brunello di Montalcino from this clone.

The entire estate includes 47 hectares of land, but only 25 hectares are dedicated to plantings of Sangiovese Grosso. The oldest vines, totaling 5 hectares, date from 1930-1970. Only the best grapes are destined to the production of Biondi Santi Brunello - those from vineyards at least ten years old are for the Annata, and those at least twenty-five years old for the Riserva. Marled soils with heavy stones have been always preferred by the family with southern, southeastern, eastern, northeastern and northern exposure. The yield per hectare is kept low at 3-5 tons per hectare. Current production rarely exceeds 80,000 bottles, including about 10,000 bottles of Riserva made only during exceptional harvests.

Franco Biondi Santi, oenologist, learned the subtle art of vinification from his father, and has continued to run the Greppo Estate, with its unequalled collection of Reserve bottles. He has increased the production of Brunello del Greppo from the 4 hectares cultivated until his father’s death, to the current 25.

The future continuity of Greppo is represented by Franco’s two children: Jacopo, with his vivid imagination in relation to wines (firmly convinced of the typical character of Brunello del Greppo), and Alessandra (involved in promoting the estate).

The 2001 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a true gem from the prestigious region of Tuscany, Italy. This red wine showcases the Sangiovese Grosso varietal, known for producing some of the finest wines in the world. With its deep red color and elegant label, this wine exudes sophistication and class.

Upon opening a bottle of this wine, one is immediately greeted by an intoxicating bouquet of small red fruits, spices, flowers, mint, and anise. The aromatics are so enchanting that it's easy to get lost in their complexity. On the palate, the wine reveals superb freshness and a silky texture, with the purity of its fruit and the silkiness of its tannins shining through. Although it may be slightly less rewarding on the palate at the moment, its potential for tertiary development is evident.

Renowned wine critic Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this Brunello di Montalcino Riserva an impressive score of 94 points. Antonio Galloni, writing for the publication, praised the wine's class and stated that it is built for long-term aging, with its potential fully realized in the following years and even decades. Galloni predicted that the wine would reach its peak maturity between 2016 and 2041, making it a true collector's item.

Wine Spectator also rated this wine highly, awarding it 93 points. The publication described it as pure and elegant, with flavors of cherry, floral notes, cedar, sage, and a hint of tobacco. The dense tannins are coupled with a silky texture, creating a well-balanced and harmonious wine. Wine Spectator also noted that this vintage has not yet developed the complex bouquet of older vintages, suggesting that it will continue to evolve and improve over time.

Wine Enthusiast was equally impressed with this Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, awarding it an outstanding score of 96 points. The publication commended the wine's bright fruit aromas, which are complemented by forest floor, balsam notes, bramble, blue flowers, red apple, and mint. Wine Enthusiast noted that the presence of wood is barely noticeable, allowing the wine to truly express its terroir and tradition. The wine's natural acidity and intensity promise a long and glorious aging future, making it a wine worth cellaring for years to come.

In conclusion, the 2001 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a wine of exceptional quality and potential. With its captivating aromatics, silky texture, and impressive aging potential, it is a wine that will continue to evolve and delight for many years. This is a wine for those who appreciate classically built, age-worthy wines and have the patience to wait for its full expression. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, this Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a testament to the excellence of Biondi Santi and the Sangiovese Grosso varietal.